Firmament i ciała niebieskie świadkami Boga (Syr 43,1-12)
The Firmament and Celestial Bodies as Witnesses of God (Sir 43:1-12)

Summary/Abstract: Sir 43:1-12 constitutes the first section of the major part of the hymn celebratingthe Creator (42:15–43:33). It is a poetic commentary on the fourth day of creation asdepicted in the Book of Genesis (Gen 1:14-19). In his depiction of the firmament, sun,moon, stars and rainbow, Sirach emphasizes their beauty in a manner unparalleled inthe whole Bible. This does not serve cosmological aims (the sage’s motive is not thetransmission of knowledge about the structure and functioning of the cosmos – celestialbodies) but has clear theological precepts and message. The pericope’s aim is to presentand glorify God as the Creator. The firmament, celestial bodies and rainbow are toolsthrough which the sage conveys knowledge of God’s might, greatness, wisdom and beauty.All of these entities derive from God (cf. 43:33) and lead to him. Sir 43:1-12 has a clearpolemical character, visible in questioning the beliefs of other cultures and religions –which posited celestial bodies as deities or realities that could exert substantial influenceon human beings (astrology) – or of some Jewish groups which did not use lunar calendar.

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